In his previously announced, first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV called for strict international guidelines for dealing with artificial intelligence (AI). After a year in office, the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide warned of numerous dangers that the new revolutionary technology poses for human coexistence. But he also sees opportunities. The more than 100-page treatise is called “Magnifica Humanitas” (Great Humanity).
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The first teaching letter in a new pope’s term of office is often seen as a kind of government declaration for his pontificate. Such “circulars” – this is the literal meaning – are intended to give believers around the world a moral compass. As the successor to the late Pope Francis, Leo has been in office since May last year. He is the first American to head the world Catholic Church.
“On the preservation of humanity in the age of AI”
The title of the encyclical can mean two things: Humanitas can be translated as both humanity and humanity – for Leo, the big difference to AI and machines. The subheading reads: “On the preservation of humanity in the age of artificial intelligence.” The text also deals with topics such as war and peace as well as the world of work.
Leo emphasizes that AI can be a “valuable help” in many cases. Above all, however, he warns of their risks – for example, that only a few powerful people who already have a lot of property benefit from them. “Small, very influential groups can direct information and consumption, determine democratic processes and influence economic dynamics.”
Criticism and tech billionaires from the USA
It is therefore “essential that the use of AI – especially when it comes to public goods and fundamental rights – is accompanied by clear criteria and effective controls.” Leo proposes a “code of ethics.” The handling of user data must also be regulated. However, this is of no use “if this morality is determined by a few”. This is often understood as criticism of tech billionaires from the USA.
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The pontiff was particularly critical of the effects of artificial intelligence on conflicts. AI-supported autonomous weapon systems have made wars “more feasible,” the letter says. The AI must be “disarmed”. Under no circumstances should machines alone decide about life and death.
“Let’s stay true to the truth”
Leo himself was there when the encyclical was presented in the Vatican – a first for the church. In a short statement, he warned to be vigilant in view of the rapid developments. The co-founder of the AI group Anthropic, the tech billionaire Chris Olah, was also present. The company is in dispute with US President Donald Trump because it does not want to make its AI models available for autonomous weapon systems. Trump had recently criticized both Anthropic and the Pope several times.
In the letter, Leo also warned against falling for AI lies and fakes: “Let’s stay true to the truth!” With the “incessant flow of information, opinions and images” a lot of fake news is being spread. For example, at the height of his dispute with the Pope, Trump released an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus. The US President is not mentioned in the encyclical.
Leo apologizes for church’s role in slavery
Leo also warned of negative influences on the world of work. He speaks of “new forms of slavery” – for example in data centers or in the production of microchips or smartphones. In this context, he also pointed out that his church only condemned slavery after centuries. “For this I sincerely ask for forgiveness on behalf of the church.”
The encyclical is dated May 15th. On this day it was 135 years since his predecessor Leo XIII. published his encyclical “Rerum novarum” (“On New Things”). In doing so, the “worker pope” laid the foundations for Catholic social teaching. Some experts are already calling the new letter “AI social cyclicals”.
Many more encyclicals expected from Leo
Such teaching letters have been around since the 18th century. They are usually named after their first two or three words. “Magnifica Humanitas” begins with the sentence: “The great humanity created by God today faces a crucial choice: either build a new Tower of Babel or build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.” The biblical parable of the Tower of Babel is a symbol of human arrogance and megalomania.
Leo XIII published more than 90 encyclicals. The pontiff from the USA repeatedly refers to him. Many therefore expect that he will also write many such teaching letters – also because Leo is relatively young at 70 years old. Pope Francis published four encyclicals.
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